Commercial Breeding Consortium Announces New Premium Blueberry Variety: Highland Charm

Dundee, Scotland – [15.09.2025] – A major international breeding consortium is proud to announce the commercial launch of a brand-new blueberry variety: Highland Charm. The cultivar, emerging from a decade of intensive breeding led by The James Hutton Institute in Scotland alongside global partners in the Netherlands (Schrijnwerkers Plants BV), Ukraine (Dolyna-Agro), Australia (Perfection Fresh), and Chile (Grupo Hijuelas), marks a milestone as the first Northern Highbush cultivar from the Scottish-based programme.

Designed to meet the dual demands of modern growers and consumers, Highland Charm combines resilience, productivity, and premium eating quality.

“The new variety boasts superior fruit quality, large berries in loose clusters, rich sweetness, and vibrant colour – appealing to both domestic and international markets,” said Oleg Bazyuk, Dolyna-Agro (Ukraine).

“Highland Charm is the result of a truly collaborative effort and years of dedication to developing a ‘super variety’ with the very best characteristics in bloom, fruit quality, taste, texture, and storability,” added Leon Schrijnwerkers, Schrijnwerkers Plants BV (Netherlands).

“We believe it represents the future of blueberry cultivation – where premium flavour and reliable agronomic performance come together in one variety,” said Jamie Smith, James Hutton Institute Scientific Services (UK).

Agronomic trials across the UK, EU, and Ukraine demonstrate the variety’s adaptability to diverse climates. Early results highlight its strong yields, excellent berry size, and a balanced sugar-acid profile that ensures an outstanding eating experience.

Dr. Susan McCallum, lead blueberry breeder at the James Hutton Institute, commented:

“This cultivar has been a real standout – delivering attractive yields and outstanding flavour. Highland Charm offers growers a variety with proven agronomic resilience, while giving consumers the flavourful blueberries they increasingly demand.”

Meeting Global Challenges

The launch of Highland Charm comes at a critical time for the soft fruit industry. With consumers seeking premium, flavour-driven blueberries, and growers facing climate pressures and shifting markets, this variety provides an innovative solution.

By bridging scientific expertise with real-world agricultural needs, the breeding consortium is setting new standards for the future of blueberry production.

Trial Volumes Available

Commercial trial volumes (up to 100 plants) of Highland Charm are now available from select partner organisations:

About the Breeding Consortium

The James Hutton Institute, together with its international partners, is dedicated to advancing soft fruit breeding through innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to both growers and consumers. Highland Charm represents not just a new fruit, but a forward-looking vision for the global blueberry industry.